news
Did Spain Save the American Revolution?
The story of the thirteen North American colonies rebelling against their "mother country," Great Britain, is deeply embedded in the American consciousness. Even many who struggle to recall the details of the nation's founding may be aware that French military...
An Insider’s View of the Constitutional Convention
On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared thirteen of Britain’s twenty-six North American colonies to be independent. Two days later, they provided the reasons for that separation in the Declaration of Independence. Each colony then drafted new...
JoEllen Chatham
Jo Ellen Chatham, Ph. D. Dr. Jo Ellen Chatham is Director of the Center for Civics Education at Concordia University Irvine. She has developed a model community citizenship project, USA250-OC, whose mission is to increase the levels of civility and civic...
The Ideas of 1776 Still Matter
On July 8, 2026, Americans across the nation and around the world gathered in a shared moment of civic remembrance. At 1,138 locations spanning nineteen time zones and all seven continents—across forty-six countries, all fifty States, five U.S. territories, and...
Four Times Five = Semiquincentennial
All across our great nation, we just celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States. July 4 has been celebrated as a special day of patriotism since 17,77 when the first organized celebrations took place...
Beyond Politics, There’s Music
We remember the Revolutionary War for its battles, generals, heroes, sacrifices, and most importantly, for the principles in the Declaration of Independence that inspired its success against all odds. Amid the smoke and chaos of the battlefield were the piercing...
“Forgotten Founders” Remembered
More than 150 guests attended the second of the A250 Conversations series at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on Saturday, June 13. Co-sponsored by USA250-OC, the Nixon Foundation, and the National Archives, with special support from Charlie...
World Affairs Council, Pacific Symphony, and USA250-OC Celebrate American Music Under a British Baton
On May 30, the World Affairs Council of Orange County hosted a pre-concert dinner for British Deputy Consul General Nicola Guffogg, Music Director Designate Alexander Shelley, and composer Peter Boyer. Co-sponsored by the Pacific Symphony and USA250-OC, the...
Orange County Forum Focuses on Civic Literacy
On June 11, the Orange County Forum hosted a stimulating conversation about the importance of civic literacy, the consequences of civic illiteracy, and how the knowledge and skills essential to effective civic engagement can be enhanced. Recognizing that civic...
Subscribe to The Newsletter
Divi Chess Club
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse vitae neque ut erat rutrum gravida vel ac nunc. Maecenas condimentum lacus ligula, eget vulputate sem egestas ac. Proin risus li